Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 350 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales.
We are seeking ,experienced archaeologists and trainees across all four of our offices to work on a range of exciting archaeological projects, spanning different time periods. With a strong ongoing program of fieldwork, we are looking for motivated, dedicated individuals to join our team.
Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but for these roles there will be a requirement to be rostered on protracted away projects where we will provide accommodation and the opportunity to accrue lieu and overtime.
Where away work is required good quality accommodation will be provided, along with subsistence payments. (£24 per each night spent away).
What we offer
Along with a starting salary above the CIfA minimum, we offer a highly competitive benefits package including:
- 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) - please note that the annual leave allowance will be prorated for the duration of contract.
- Employer contribution to pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme
- Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
- Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
- A generous lieu scheme operated for all driving time, and time spent in excess of 45 minutes each way as a passenger, outside of the normal 7.5 hour working day (accumulate up to 10 days additional lieu time annually)
- Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a network of mental health first aiders across the organisation.
- Personal protective equipment
Please note all salaries quoted are annual equivalents based on a 37.5-hour week. We are unable to offer contracts with the provision of 7 day a week accommodated away work.
Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable, as is possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass. Although new CSCS cards are not currently being issued to the archaeological sector, successful applicants without a current and valid CSCS card or test pass, will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA.
A full manual driving licence is desirable for all roles.
The Details
Trainee Archaeologists £27,278
Like many of those that join our award-winning trainee archaeologist program you might be a recent graduate with a degree or masters in a relevant subject; you may have graduated some time ago but never realised your ambitions to enter the profession; or you may have no formal archaeology related qualifications but your passion and interest in the subject is attracting you to developing a career in the sector.
For a candidate without a formal degree, we would expect to see:
- Exposure to a range of archaeological periods (e.g. prehistoric, Roman, medieval etc.)
- Experience on multiple site types and contexts (urban, rural, eval etc.)
- An understanding of core excavation methods including excavation methods, stratigraphy, recording and post-excavation
- Evidence of working in varied outdoor conditions, which is part of the day-to-day realities of archaeological fieldwork.
Our trainee programme has been developed with the flexibility to accommodate a broad spectrum of educational ability and work experience. The training includes all the core skills required to be effective as an Archaeologist including excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.
Archaeologists £28,532 - £29,255 Dependent on Experience
We are seeking enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our existing team. Your core skills and experience should include manual excavation the recording of archaeological features, and the recovery of artefacts or samples. You should also be able to complete stratigraphic matrices, photograph archaeological features and sites, and compose accurate measured drawings. Familiarity with GPS surveying is desirable.
Experienced Archaeologists £29,844
We are also looking for more experienced field archaeologists to assist our Supervisors with the training and mentoring of Trainee Archaeologists and with machine supervision. These roles will need demonstrable and considerable commercial archaeological fieldwork experience, with documented evidence of proficiency both in core fieldwork skills and machine supervision/watching brief, staff training/development and an aptitude for GPS survey. In date training in the use of CAT and Genny equipment is desirable.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page.
https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers
Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 17 April 2026.
Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience relevant to the role.
We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
